When Is Erectile Dysfunction A Sign of Serious Illness?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than you might think. Most men will experience problems with an erection at some point in their life and are twice as likely to experience ED over the age of 50 as they are before the age of 30. Factors such as drinking too much alcohol, work stress building up, tiredness, relationship tensions, and depression can all take their toll on short-term sexual performance, as well as on libido more broadly. Social stigmas and negative perceptions of erectile dysfunction mean that this condition is sometimes ignored or not given the proper medical attention that it deserves.
It’s important to know, however, that erectile dysfunction can be an indicator of a serious underlying condition, so it’s very important to be aware of the potential risks to your health and to know when it’s time to see a doctor. If you think of ED as a warning shot, act on it, and get yourself checked up and diagnosed, it can actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health.
What Is It?
You’ll often see erectile dysfunction (ED) defined as the inability to maintain or develop an erection during sexual activity, but the occasional inability to achieve or sustain an erection doesn’t constitute ED. A one-off occurrence, that you may quickly be able to connect to short-term stress, alcohol or drug use, or fatigue, is nothing to worry about and quite normal.
If you notice a persistent or recurring inability to develop or maintain an erection during sexual activity with a partner, this is considered ED and is cause for a visit to the doctor. This condition is thought to affect 10% of men at any given time.
Serious causes of erectile dysfunction
- Heart Disease: ED is one of the indicators of a heart condition. Both high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (blockages, narrowing or hardening of the major arteries) can present early on as erection problems. Heart disease frequently goes undiagnosed, as men are not always aware of the risks, but 4 in 5 heart attacks can be prevented with proper preventative care, so please do not hesitate to get checked out.
- Diabetes: roughly 25% of men who have diabetes in their thirties, and as many as 75% of diabetic men aged 60-64, experience ED as a symptom. Many people do not realise that diabetes is a reversible condition. Speak to a doctor, find out whether you are diabetic, and get advice on how to get your health back.
Other causes of erectile dysfunction
- Medication: some medications can cause ED, but this still warrants a visit to the doctor, as there may be an alternative available that does not cause so much disruption to your sexual life
- Nerve conditions: Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis can affect the nerves of the sexual organs
- Hormonal imbalance: the doctor may advise you to check your hormone levels if you are experiencing ED
- Surgery: surgeries affecting the bladder or prostate can interfere with your body’s ability to get or sustain an erection
Can I prevent erectile dysfunction?
Yes! There are some positive lifestyle changes that will help you to maintain healthy erections throughout your life.
Quit smoking – Cigarettes damage your blood vessels and can lead to the poor arterial blood supply to the penis
Avoid binge drinking – This is actually one of the most common causes of occasional difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection, or ejaculating. Alcohol decreases blood flow to the penis and reduces sexual sensitivity and pleasure. Long-term heavy use of alcohol often directly correlates with long-term ED.
Take care of your emotional wellbeing – Men often put up with stress, anxiety, and depression for much longer than women do, but these factors can seriously affect your quality of life, including your sex life. Talk to a doctor about what’s happening and find out what treatment options are available.
Take care of your body – A healthy diet, low in trans fats and sugar, and abundant in fruits and vegetables, together with regular exercise, can protect your heart and reduce your risk of diabetes.
Avoid steroids – Steroids are illegal in the UK but are increasingly common. Steroids can seriously damage your cardiovascular health, with erectile dysfunction being one of the major side effects of regular use.
ED is not just psychological
You can get more information about whether your ED has physical or psychological causes by noting the circumstances in which you are able to get an erection.
If you wake up with erections in the morning or during the night, or are able to get them when masturbating, but not with a partner, there is a good chance that your ED has psychological causes. These include stress, anxiety, depression, and issues relating to your relationship, or to major life events.
If you are unable to get an erection under any circumstances, the cause is almost certainly physical. This is particularly so if you notice that your libido (sexual desire) overall is unchanged.
Self-treating ED
With Viagra and some herbal “aphrodisiacs” now readily available over the counter and online, it can be tempting to self-medicate. We strongly advise against doing this. Self-medicating can exacerbate an existing health condition and may lead to serious symptoms getting overlooked. Some of these supplements are extremely powerful and it is best to get medical advice before experimenting with any of them.
Although it can be an awkward topic of discussion, your best course of action if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction is to talk to a doctor who can evaluate you, give you a check-up, and get to the bottom of the issue.
Our experienced, caring and non-judgmental doctors are here to listen, to help, and to get you the best possible treatment and the most accurate diagnosis, so please do not hesitate to come in for a consultation. We can also book you in with a male doctor if you prefer.
